Policy: 4260

Section: 4000 - Community Relations

Title: Use of School Facilities

Status: Active

Adopted: February 25, 1980

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Use of School Facilities

The board believes that public schools are owned and operated by and for the community. The public is encouraged to use school facilities, but will be expected to reimburse the district for such use to ensure that funds intended for education are not used for other purposes. On recommendation of the superintendent, the board will set the rental rates schedule.

The superintendent is authorized to establish procedures for use of school facilities, including rental rates, supervisory requirements, restrictions, and security. Those using school facilities will maintain insurance for accident and liability covering persons using the district’s facilities under the sponsorship of the organization.

The district does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Community athletics programs that use district facilities will not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex in the operation, conduct or administration of their programs. The district will provide copies of the district’s nondiscrimination policy to all third parties using district facilities.

For rental rate purposes, organizations seeking the use of school facilities have been divided into three categories:

Category 1

All internal district events, district sponsored events, and school-related activities and events, including ASB, PTO, and Booster Clubs. Facility Fees may be waived, however under certain circumstances involving significant use of utilities (such as weekends), excessive clean-up, or extensive use of the stadium lighting as determined by the district, the district reserves the right to assess fees according to the established fee schedule.

Category 2

Non-profit youth and community service groups, civic organizations/Government Agencies including groups raising funds that benefit Ferndale School District.

Non-profit groups serving youth must have open enrollment and open participation of all ability levels with at least 80% of the youth living within the boundaries of Ferndale School District, i.e. scouting organizations, 4 H groups, recreational soccer leagues, recreational little leagues, etc. Special events (beyond regular league play) charging donations, entry fees, admission fees, etc. may be charged Category 3 user fees at the discretion of the district. This does not apply to the sale of concessions. 

Category 3

Fee based non-profit organizations, informal groups, religious groups, youth and adult athletic tournaments. Non-profit groups serving youth who do not have open participation of all ability levels with at least 80% of the youth living within the boundaries of the Ferndale School District, i.e. AAU, select soccer clubs, and all other non-profit groups, and individual users; including churches, craft shows, meeting space, adult sports, etc.

Category 4

Includes all commercial and/or for-profit organizations. (When 100% of profits go back to the school district, Category 1 rates will apply) District-sponsored activities, including curricular and co-curricular functions, retain first priority in use of facilities. Authorization for use of school facilities will not be considered as endorsement or approval of the activity, group or organization.

Legal References:
RCW 4.24.660	Liability of school districts under contracts with youth programs
RCW 28A.230.180	Access to campus and student information directories by official recruiting representatives — Informing students of educational and career opportunities
RCW 28A.320.510	Night schools, summer schools, meetings, use of facilities for
RCW 28A.335.150	Permitting use and rental of playgrounds, athletic fields, or athletic facilities
RCW 28A.335.155	Use of buildings for youth programs — Limited immunity
20 USC Sec. 7905	Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act
34 CFR Sec. 108.6	Equal Access to Public School Facilities For The Boy Scouts of America and Other Designated Youth Groups
AGO 1973 No. 26	School districts —Use of school facilities for presentation of programs — Legislature — Elections
Management Resources:
Policy and Legal News, February 2014	Additional Updates/Corrections
Policy and Legal News, July 2013	Equal access to K-12 campuses law goes into effect
Policy and Legal News, June 2013	Use of School Facilities policy clarification
Policy News, December 2011	Changes in WSSDA’s Policy Reference Manual
Policy News, August 2009	Concussion and Head Injuries Legislation

 

Adoption Date: 02.25.80

Ferndale School District

Revised: 09.17.81; 10.21.82; 06.30.83; 04.26.84; 03.27.85;11.19.85; 10.27.88; 05.14.91; 03.25.93;

 07.27.95;11.30.95; 11.23.99; 03.30.00; 02.27.01; 10.31.02; 08.27.09; 10.29.09; 07.28.11;11.26.13;

 03.31.15; 12.16.2025